From September 2, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants will need to attend in-person interviews with US consular officers. The move ends age-based exemptions and “drop box” renewals for many categories, marking a significant change for students, business professionals, and frequent travelers.
What is changing
Until now, applicants under 14 and over 79, as well as many renewing H-1B (skilled workers), L-1 (intra-company transferees), F-1 (students), O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability), and visitor visas (B-1/B-2 for business or tourism), could qualify for interview waivers. From tomorrow, most will be required to appear in person regardless of whether they are first-time applicants or renewing visas.
Exceptions remain for diplomatic and official visas, certain international organization categories, and specific renewals of full-validity B-1/B-2 visas and border crossing cards for Mexican nationals. Even in these cases, consular officers may still request an interview.
Stricter rules for some countries
For nationals of 57 countries—including Afghanistan, Nigeria, Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe—the policy takes effect immediately, without exemptions. Applicants from these countries must attend interviews for all nonimmigrant visas. Diplomatic and official applications will continue through normal diplomatic channels.
India is not included in that group.
Longer wait times likely
The US State Department has cautioned applicants to expect longer wait times for appointments. Travelers can check the Global Visa Wait Times website for location-specific updates.
From January 1, 2025, only one free reschedule will be permitted for visa appointments. Missing an appointment or needing to reschedule a second time will require payment of a new visa fee.
Applicants must also bring the DS-160 confirmation page used to book the appointment. If a corrected form is submitted, both the original and new confirmation pages must be presented at the interview.
Why it matters
The changes will affect a wide range of travelers—from students starting new academic sessions to professionals on work assignments—who will now need to plan visa applications well in advance to account for possible delays.
What applicants should do now
What is changing
Until now, applicants under 14 and over 79, as well as many renewing H-1B (skilled workers), L-1 (intra-company transferees), F-1 (students), O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability), and visitor visas (B-1/B-2 for business or tourism), could qualify for interview waivers. From tomorrow, most will be required to appear in person regardless of whether they are first-time applicants or renewing visas.
Exceptions remain for diplomatic and official visas, certain international organization categories, and specific renewals of full-validity B-1/B-2 visas and border crossing cards for Mexican nationals. Even in these cases, consular officers may still request an interview.
Stricter rules for some countries
For nationals of 57 countries—including Afghanistan, Nigeria, Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe—the policy takes effect immediately, without exemptions. Applicants from these countries must attend interviews for all nonimmigrant visas. Diplomatic and official applications will continue through normal diplomatic channels.
India is not included in that group.
Longer wait times likely
The US State Department has cautioned applicants to expect longer wait times for appointments. Travelers can check the Global Visa Wait Times website for location-specific updates.
From January 1, 2025, only one free reschedule will be permitted for visa appointments. Missing an appointment or needing to reschedule a second time will require payment of a new visa fee.
Applicants must also bring the DS-160 confirmation page used to book the appointment. If a corrected form is submitted, both the original and new confirmation pages must be presented at the interview.
Why it matters
The changes will affect a wide range of travelers—from students starting new academic sessions to professionals on work assignments—who will now need to plan visa applications well in advance to account for possible delays.
What applicants should do now
- Plan early: Start visa applications well ahead of travel, work, or study timelines.
- Check wait times: Use the State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times website to track appointment availability.
- Prepare documents: Carry the correct DS-160 confirmation page and all required paperwork to avoid rescheduling.
- Keep reschedule rules in mind: One free reschedule is allowed; further changes will require a new visa fee.
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